Reading and Six Benefits
Reading and Six Benefits
When I was younger, I used to be an avid reader and often would find myself lost in the stories. Growing up as I did, it was safer to be in a book than it was to live in the real world. Life was unstable, chaotic and unpredictable for most days, so I enjoyed the structured experience those characters provided me. I am not sure when or how this changed, more than likely it had to do with being made fun of or ridiculed for my methods of escape. Either way, I stopped reading for pleasure, and any reading I did was school related. Growing older I would have spurts of intense reading, but I would always let it go, again, never wanting to be made fun of by my peers. More years passed and I never picked up reading again until about a year and a half ago.
I have been reading before bed every night, and in 2018 I was able to read 38 books which my goal was 30. My goal for 2019 is 40 books, but I am hoping to get 40-50 books in before the year is done. All this reading before bed had got me to thinking about as to what are the benefits of reading at night especially before bed.
1. You Can Reduce Stress
Reading before bed is said to be more effective than drinking tea or taking a walk to reduce stress. Reading takes your mind off of your problems, your missed tasks and your "to do" list tomorrow. It gives you some time to decompress, allowing you to get a good nights sleep.
2. You'll Improve Your Memory
Smart people think that reading can improve your memory. If you can get into this habit each night before bed, you will improve your memory over time.
3. Reading Makes You More Empathetic
This one often came up. Reading literary fiction can make you a more empathetic person. Reading every night before falling asleep can contribute to your self-improvement. You can become a more empathetic and understanding person just by flipping pages.
4. You'll Avoid The Bad Effects Of Using Tech Before Bed
We seem to be bombarded at times with warnings about using technology, especially bright screens right before drifting off. Scrolling through your phone before you sleep can suppress melatonin and keep your brain from letting you sleep.
5. You Can Read More Books
Reading is a gift, and it is an opportunity to become anything you want to be... Did you know that 774 million people around the world can't read?
6. Having A Nighttime Routine Can Help You Sleep
I am a huge proponent of forming habits, and I believe they stem from my childhood. Having nightly habits before bedtime helps your brain recognize when it's time for sleep. If you read every night before sleeping, your body will take this as a sign that it's time to rest, and you will be able to fall asleep more easily.